VINEMONT - A Vinemont man has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse.

According to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), investigators arrested and charged John Paul Adkins, 28, following an investigation in which it was allegedly discovered that Adkins had sexually molested a minor.

The CCSO said the victim is known to the suspect, and that the victim came forward to CCSO investigators after an interview at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

“I would like to thank the workers at the Child Advocacy Center for their commitment to keep children safe and to get children out of bad environments," said Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I would also like to thank our investigators who worked on this case.”